Ten Takeaways From New England’s Final Preseason Game

The New England Patriots wrapped up their 2024 preseason schedule on Sunday night. The result was a 20-10 New England loss, leaving them with a preseason record of 1-2. While a victory is would have been nice, the results of preseason games is far from the most important thing. The Washington Commanders were sitting many of their key players, including starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. Just the same, there was plenty to feel good about and a few things that caused concern.

Here are 10 takeaways from the New England Patriots preseason finale:

Jacoby Brissett Plays One Series

Brissett left the game after only one series. He got sacked on New England’s opening drive and appeared shaken up but remained in the game. He did not receive treatment on the sideline but did not return. If the Patriots were truly waiting until after Sunday’s game to determine their Week 1 starter, Brissett’s lack of action didn’t give them much to grade him on. He threw a poor screen to Antonio Gibson that went incomplete. He tossed a nice pass to K.J. Osborn, following the sack, that went incomplete as well. Osborn tried to bring it in with one hand, though it was a nice throw by Brissett. The severity of the injury is unknown.

Also Read – Should Mayo Have Announced Patriots Starting QB Before Camp?

Drake Maye Impresses

Rookie Drake Maye came in for the second series after Brissett’s injury. He led the team the length of the field, capped off with a touchdown pass to Kevin Harris. He kept the drive alive by running for a first down in New England territory. Maye led another scoring drive at the end of the first half, connecting with Osborn. Unfortunately, the play was offset by an illegal formation on the New England Patriots (Chukwuma Okorafor). Just the same, it was an impressive performance. If Jerod Mayo’s decision about the team’s starting quarterback is based on preseason play, it is hard to justify not giving the nod to Maye despite his lack of work with the first unit throughout camp.

This touchdown was negated by (ANOTHER) penalty on Okorafor, but what. a. throw by Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/gPxLgkY0fT

— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) August 26, 2024

Discouraging Performance From Offensive Line

In the first half of the game alone, New England’s offensive line was called for eight penalties. That is beyond unacceptable. Both Mayo and Brissett have talked about the Patriots doing the simple things they can control perfectly. This includes breaking the huddle and lining up correctly before the play even begins. The Patriots failed at even that simple task.

Okorafor was called for lining up in the backfield (the correct call), which nullified the touchdown pass from Maye to Osborn. It was one of three illegal formation calls on Okorafor. Mike Onwenu was called for illegal formation on the right side. Layden Robinson picked up two penalties at right guard. Michael Jordan replaced Sidy Sow and was called for holding immediately (though it looked like a poor call from this perspective). The second unit received a pair of second-half holding calls.

Will Kevin Harris Make the 53-Man Roster?

Harris entered the game third on the Patriots’ depth chart at running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. He proved he belongs there with a strong showing. He runs hard and caught the touchdown pass thrown by Maye. Last season the Patriots kept only two running backs on the initial 53-man roster. This season Harris could make it three. Unlike last season, he is unlikely to clear waivers and return to the practice squad in 2024. He was called for holding on a second-half kickoff return.

Maye slings it to the outside and Kevin Harris goes airborne for a score 🔥 @Patriots

📺: #NEvsWAS on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CCtAJIWgDz

— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2024

Backup Center Needed

With David Andrews sitting for the game, Nick Leverett had an opportunity to show he deserves to stick as the backup center. He struggled, including a shotgun snap that bounced at Maye’s feet. It was one of two bad snaps from Leverett. Snaps should be included in the “things we can control” that have been emphasized. Leverett was exclusively a guard for Tampa Bay before signing with the Patriots this offseason. Mayo wants to see versatility from his offensive linemen, but the transition from guard to center has not gone smoothly for Leverett. His roster spot now appears to be in jeopardy.

Charles Turner III, an undrafted free agent, started the second half at center for New England and did nothing noteworthy. From the Patriots’ offensive line, and particularly from their centers this preseason, no news was good news.

Kicker Competition a Coin Flip

Starting quarterback wasn’t the only role up for grabs heading into the preseason finale. The Patriots need to decide on their placekicker position still. Joey Slye was brought in to compete with incumbent Chad Ryland in training camp. Their battle has been mostly even, with Slye seeming to gain an advantage as camp progressed. On Sunday night, Slye came out to attempt a 64-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Ryland made his lone attempt, driving it down the middle from 38 yards. Slye came back out as time expired in the game and hooked it wide-left. It seems both kickers would have missed Slye’s attempts, and both would have hit Ryland’s. It’s hard to imagine Sunday night shifted the decision much in either direction, but if it did it is to Ryland’s advantage.

Linebackers Impress

The New England Patriots linebackers have impressed throughout training camp. Starters Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai return. They are a formidable duo in the middle of New England’s defense. But the reserve linebackers have impressed. Sione Taktaki remains on PUP. Raekwon McMillan, Joe Giles-Harris, and Christian Elliss have all picked up the slack nicely. All three have proven to be capable NFL linebackers and worthy of spots on somebody’s 53-man roster.

Joe Giles-Harris bringing the 🏈 the other way

📺: #NEvsWAS on NBC pic.twitter.com/mNFClnzoo4

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 26, 2024

Veterans Playing in the 4th Quarter

The old saying used to be that it was not a good sign for a veteran’s hopes of making the 53-man roster if they were still playing in the fourth quarter of the final preseason game. Many of the players in games at that stage will no longer have NFL jobs as of Wednesday. While experienced veterans are likely to land somewhere, either on a practice squad or with another franchise, it doesn’t bode well for their hopes of making their team’s 53-man roster.

It would be surprising if that held for the New England Patriots in 2024. Jeremiah Pharms Jr. was on the field in the fourth quarter. It would be shocking from this perspective if Pharms was among the Patriots cuts on Tuesday. His being on the field makes it tough to look too far into the presence of others. That said, Joe Giles-Harris, Joshuah Bledsoe, Trysten Hill, Atonio Mafi, and Bailey Zappe were among the other NFL veterans on the field in the fourth for New England.

Three Injuries

In addition to Jacoby Brissett (right shoulder) leaving the game, there were two other injuries for New England in the game. Sidy Sow left in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Christian Elliss came on in the third quarterback after getting hit in the head. All three players remained out for the remainder of the game following their exits. All three are currently on my 53-man roster projection. Stay tuned.

Three Stars

1 – Drake Maye
2 – Kevin Harris
3 – Joe Giles-Harris

There wasn’t a lot to feel great about for the New England Patriots, but some fun performances from the young offensive weapons displaying talent. Now it’s time to look ahead to Tuesday’s roster cutdowns and then Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.